Current CDC guidance treats the COVID-19 vaccine as an individual decision made with your pharmacist or doctor, but adults 65 and older, people with chronic health conditions, and anyone who is immunocompromised see the clearest benefit from staying current. Most healthy adults can also choose to get vaccinated for added protection heading into respiratory virus season. At Southern Village Pharmacy in Chapel Hill, NC, licensed pharmacists can give your COVID-19 and flu vaccines in the same short visit, and you can schedule your visit online in advance.
Who Should Get an Updated COVID-19 Vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccine guidance has changed in the last couple of years. The CDC and its advisory committee (ACIP) now frame the updated COVID-19 vaccine as an individual decision made between a patient and their healthcare provider, rather than a blanket recommendation for everyone. In practice, there's no one-size-fits-all answer — but there is clear guidance on who tends to benefit most.
Adults 65 and older are specifically encouraged to prioritize vaccination, since older adults face a higher risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19. Younger adults, teens, and children can still choose to be vaccinated, and that choice often comes down to personal health history and how much protection someone wants heading into fall and winter.
If you're not sure where you fall, that's a normal question to bring to your pharmacist. Our licensed pharmacists can review your health history in a few minutes and help you decide whether this season's vaccine makes sense for you — no lecture, just a straight answer.
One Visit, Two Vaccines: Flu + COVID Together
One of the easiest ways to check both boxes at once is co-administration — getting your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine in the same visit. Most patients are eligible to receive both at once, one in each arm, meaning one trip instead of two.
This is especially useful during a busy fall, when back-to-school schedules, travel, and work make it hard to carve out time for a pharmacy visit at all. Ask your pharmacist about co-administration when you book your appointment — a simple way to stay current on both vaccines without extra hassle.
Ready to check COVID-19 (and flu) off your list?
Who Benefits Most From Staying Current
Vaccine fatigue is real, and it's fair to wonder whether you personally need another shot. Here's a practical look at who tends to see the most benefit from staying current on their COVID-19 vaccine:
| Group | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Adults 65 and older | Highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization; specifically prioritized in current CDC guidance |
| People with chronic conditions | Diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and similar conditions raise the risk of complications |
| Immunocompromised individuals | Weakened immune systems may need additional doses or a different schedule — worth a pharmacist conversation |
| Caregivers & household members of high-risk patients | Reduces the chance of bringing illness home to someone more vulnerable |
| Anyone wanting extra protection this season | A reasonable, personal choice even without an underlying condition |
If you fall into one of these groups, you don't need a referral to talk it through — just mention it when you book online, and your pharmacist will go over it at your visit.
Serving Chapel Hill and the Surrounding Triangle
Southern Village Pharmacy is an independent, locally owned pharmacy at 300 Market Street, Suite 114 in Chapel Hill, NC, and we regularly serve patients from Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Hillsborough, Durham, Mebane, Fearrington Village, and Apex, NC. Whether you're a longtime patient or just passing through, our pharmacists are set up to get you in and out quickly.
We've been voted "Best Pharmacy in Chapel Hill" by Chapel Hill Magazine for 10 years running as of 2026, and we hold a 4.8-star rating on Google — something we credit to treating vaccine visits like a conversation with a neighbor, not a transaction.
Cost, Side Effects, and Common Hesitations
Will my insurance cover it?
Most COVID-19 vaccines are covered by insurance, including Medicare Part B or Part D and most commercial plans, when given according to current guidance. Coverage can vary by plan, so we recommend calling 919-240-4084 before your visit to confirm your coverage.
Does it hurt, and what side effects should I expect?
Most patients describe the shot itself as a quick pinch, similar to any other vaccine. Afterward, it's common to have mild soreness at the injection site, and some people notice mild fatigue, a headache, or low-grade body aches for a day or so. Serious side effects are uncommon. Your pharmacist will walk you through what to watch for before you leave.
Schedule Ahead
We've built our vaccine hours around real schedules — not just a 9-to-5 window — so you can get your COVID-19 vaccine on your own time.
Schedule today:
Monday–Friday: 9:00am–1:00pm
Saturday: 2:00pm–4:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am–2:00pm
Plan ahead. You can book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment online in a couple of minutes and pick a time that fits your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new COVID-19 vaccine every year?
Current CDC guidance leaves this as an individual decision made with your healthcare provider, but adults 65 and older and people with certain health conditions are specifically encouraged to stay current each respiratory virus season. Ask your pharmacist which schedule makes sense for your age and health history.
Can I get my flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes. Most patients can receive both vaccines in the same visit, one in each arm. It's a convenient way to stay current on both without scheduling two separate trips.
Do you serve patients outside of Chapel Hill?
Yes. While we're located in Chapel Hill, we regularly serve patients from Carrboro, Pittsboro, Hillsborough, Durham, Mebane, Fearrington Village, and Apex, NC. You don't need to be a longtime Chapel Hill resident to book an appointment with us.
How much does the COVID-19 vaccine cost?
Most COVID-19 vaccines are covered by insurance, including Medicare Part B/D where applicable. We recommend calling us at 919-240-4084 ahead of time so we can confirm your specific coverage before your visit.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, we do require an appointment. You can schedule online in advance and pick a set time, which keeps your visit quick.
Who administers the vaccine?
All vaccines at Southern Village Pharmacy are administered by our licensed vaccinators, right here in our Chapel Hill location.
I already had COVID-19 recently — do I still need the vaccine?
This is a common and reasonable question. Immunity from a recent infection can offer some protection, but it may fade over time and vary by variant. Talk with your pharmacist about your specific timeline so you can make an informed decision together.
Have questions, or ready to get it done? Southern Village Pharmacy makes COVID-19 vaccines simple to book ahead and choose a time that fits your week.
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